Community Building 101: How to Make it Last

Sarah Brumley

When it comes to building community, financial barriers can sometimes hold us back. But the truth is, meaningful connections don’t have to come with a high price tag. Today, we’re exploring how to overcome financial challenges and maintain relationships in creative, sustainable ways. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a plan to grow your finances and your community together. Sound like something you need? Well then, lets get started!

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How to Make it Work: Finances and Community

Welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast! I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and today we’re wrapping up our 5-Day Community Building Challenge.

This week, we’ve laid the foundation for building meaningful relationships by defining your circles, identifying gaps, making the first move, and finding ways to connect as a family. Today, we’re tying it all together by addressing a key question: How can you sustain and grow your community connections in a financially smart and practical way?

Here’s the good news: Financial constraints aren’t limitations—they’re opportunities to get creative and focus on what truly matters. Strong communities aren’t built on extravagant outings or expensive activities. They thrive on shared experiences, resourcefulness, and intentional time together.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical, budget-friendly ideas to nurture your connections while celebrating the progress you’ve made during this challenge.

Step #1: Revisit Your Circles of Community

Let’s go back to what we talked about on Day 1—your inner, middle, and outer circles. Each of these circles represents different levels of relationships, and each requires a different approach to maintain.

Inner Circle: These are your closest relationships—the people you say “yes” to most of the time. Maintaining these connections doesn’t need to involve fancy dinners or expensive gifts. Instead, think about intentional, low-cost ways to show care, like inviting them over for a simple meal, having coffee at home, or going for a walk together.
Middle Circle: These are the friends and acquaintances you enjoy spending time with but don’t see as often. Consider group activities that spread the cost, like potlucks, shared movie nights, or free local events where everyone can participate.
Outer Circle: This is where financial boundaries are especially important because these are the people and the activities that you most often say no to. These are the ones that might be especially draining or just might not be a healthy return for you when it comes to your time investment. So, when you do choose to say yes, you’ll want to pay even closer attention to what you are spending – both time and money-wise. You might consider free events that you were already planning to attend or focusing more on larger group activities with members of this group.

Of course, we want to live lives that are generous and thinking of other, and that’s why I believe that thinking about your circles this way will allow you to better prioritize your resources—both time and money—while still staying connected. Because, as much as we might want to, we don’t have unlimited resources, right?

Step #2: Turn Financial Barriers into Opportunities

Now, reflect on the financial challenges that might come with maintaining these connections. Ask yourself:

Where do I feel the most financial pressure when it comes to friendships or social activities?
Are there ways to shift expectations and suggest more budget-friendly alternatives?

For example, instead of always meeting friends at a restaurant, you could host a coffee chat at home or suggest a picnic in the park. If birthday parties or events feel overwhelming, consider collaborating with others to split costs or keep things simple.

It’s also okay to set boundaries and be honest. Saying, “I’d love to spend time together, but I’m trying to save money—how about we do something low-cost?” shows that you value the relationship while protecting your financial well-being.

Remember, people care more about spending time together than about the setting or cost. By being honest and creative, you can foster deeper, more authentic relationships.

Step #3: Build Frugal Habits for Connection

Once you’ve identified financial barriers, it’s important to focus on building habits that make connection affordable and sustainable. Here are a few ideas:

Host a Group Potluck: Bring your inner and middle circles together with a shared meal where everyone contributes.
Start a Resource-Sharing Group: Collaborate with friends or neighbors to exchange items like tools, books, or even babysitting hours.
Join Free Local Activities: Attend farmers’ markets, community gatherings, or park clean-ups with your circles. These events foster connection without adding costs.
Create Routine Connection Times: Set up weekly or monthly low-cost meetups, like Saturday walks or board game nights. Regularity helps relationships thrive without requiring constant planning or expense.

These habits don’t just save money—they also create rhythms of connection that bring stability and joy to your relationships.

Step #4: Involve Your Family in the Process

As we’ve talked about throughout this challenge, your family can play a huge role in building community. Sit down together and brainstorm creative ways to connect. Ask questions like:

What’s something we could host or organize for our friends or neighbors?
Are there ways we can share resources, like toys, tools, or time?
How can we make giving back fun and meaningful?

For example, your kids might love the idea of hosting a backyard movie night for neighborhood families or making crafts to deliver to friends. These activities don’t just build community—they also create lasting memories for your family, plus they teach your kids the value of creativity and resourcefulness.

How Do You Navigate Finances and Community?

That’s it for Day 5 of this 5-Day Community Building Challenge!

Here’s your challenge for today:

Revisit your inner, middle, and outer circles and reflect on how financial factors play into maintaining these relationships.
Identify one frugal way to stay connected—whether it’s a potluck, a free activity, or a resource-sharing idea.
Create a routine or plan to make these connections a regular part of your life.

I’d love to hear how this challenge has impacted your relationships and what ideas you’ve come up with to stay connected. Send me an email at sarah@lemonblessings.com to share your reflections, plans, or favorite moments from this series.

And of course this series has helped or inspired you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a friend or family member who might benefit.

Remember, small steps every day lead to big changes over time and I’m cheering you on every step of the way! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!